‘South Africa remains a G20 member, despite Trump snub’

DIRCO director general Zane Dangor on Wednesday confirmed to Parliament that South Africa
was excluded from Sunday’s Sherpa's meeting to map out the agenda of next year's G20 Summit.

Dangor said South Africa learnt of the meeting from the sherpas of other member states, who expressed their disapproval at South Africa being snubbed.

Following November’s G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, US President Donald Trump said South Africa would not be included in 2026’s G20 meetings.

Kesaobaka Nancy Mopipi, a G20 Researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, says it's not a surprise.

"I think it's been expected, given how the Trump administration has been engaging with South Africa's G20 presidency."

Despite the snub, Mopipi says it's important to remember that South Africa is still a full and permanent member of the G20.

"Regardless of the US decision not to invite them to specific meetings, they are a G20 member."

Mopipi adds that the decision by the US sets a dangerous precedent. It could allow other countries to follow suit based on their dislike of a fellow member's domestic policy, for example.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration removed all traces of South Africa's content from the official G20 website, replacing it with an image of Trump and the promise that 'The best is yet to come'.

To listen to Mopipi in conversation with John Perlman, click below: